Carlos Yulo (Screenshot)
MANILA – The City of Manila is preparing a hero's welcome for Paris Olympics gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo.
Mayor Honey Lacuna said Sunday that the city will give a huge welcome for Yulo, an Outstanding Manilan awardee.
“The City of Manila is already preparing a hero's welcome for Carlos Yulo because we are immensely proud of our Manileño from Leveriza, Malate,” she said in a statement.
The city government will also award the 24-year-old golden boy financial rewards and other recognition.
“The grandest welcome will greet him and all our Paris Olympians. When we meet him, we will present Carlos Yulo cash incentives, awards and symbols of the eternal gratitude of the proud Capital City of the Philippines,” she said.
Yulo bested seven other competitors in the men’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise finals late Saturday (PH time), bagging the first gold medal for the Philippines in Paris.
Last May, the city council adopted City Council Resolution No. 388, recognizing Yulo and his younger brother, Karl Eldrew, for their victories at the Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Yulo will try for another medal in the men's vault finals later Sunday.
Under Republic Act 9064 or the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act, an Olympic gold medalist will receive PHP10 million tax-free and an Olympic Gold Medal of Valor to be issued by the Philippine Sports Commission.
From a real estate firm that pledged a PHP24-million condominium unit in Taguig City to a medical doctor who promised free consultations and laboratory tests and a small-time entrepreneur who vowed free tapsilog (tapa, sinangag, itlog or cured beef, fried rice, egg) meals for life, there is no stopping Yulo’s windfall like what weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz experienced after 2021 Tokyo.
House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez already committed an initial PHP3 million incentive and said he expects additional pledges from other lawmakers.
Yulo will likewise be conferred a Congressional medal for his exceptional achievement.
The House will give PHP2 million for silver medalists and PHP1 million for bronze medalists.
Boxer Aira Villegas, Romualdez’s fellow Tacloban City native, is already assured of at least a bronze after advancing to the women’s 50kg quarterfinals.
Immense pride
“Carlos Edriel Yulo has not only soared to the pinnacle of athletic excellence but has also emerged as a sports hero and national treasure, igniting a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Filipinos,” Romualdez said in a news release.
Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay called Yulo a shining example of how one can strive to achieve balance amid the pursuit of glory.
“We all await your victorious return and we will be sure to welcome you with all the warmth and pride that we can muster,” Binay said in a statement. “Maraming salamat sa pagbabandera ng kayang abutin ng Pilipino, Caloy. Mabuhay ka (Thank you for showing what Filipinos can achieve. Long live)!” (With reports from Zaldy De Layola/PNA)
